By-elections: DA wins big, MKP grabs ANC ward

The DA successfully retained all wards that they had held in Wednesday’s by-elections in KwaZulu-Natal, with the MK Party (MKP) snatching a ward from the ANC in the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality on the South Coast.

The MKP was able to get its third ward councillor elected since the party’s formation in December last year.

DA provincial leader Francois Rodgers said that this was a great start as the party continues to prepare for the 2026 local government elections.

“We are encouraged by the support and trust that voters continue to have in the DA. As we head towards the 2026 local government elections, the DA is determined to ensure all voters in KZN are able to receive the services they deserve under a DA-led government,” he said.

The IFP continued its dominance in rural parts of the province after it retained the ward 4 by-election in Nkandla with 54% of the vote compared with MKP’s 40% and ANC 6%.

Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala, the IFP’s KZN deputy chairperson, said this victory was not only a testament to the trust the people have in the IFP, but also a clear message that Nkandla residents believed in the IFP’s ability to deliver meaningful service and strong governance.

“Despite competition from the MK Party, led by Mr Jacob Zuma – who hails from Nkandla – and the ANC, the people of ward 4 have demonstrated that the IFP is their party of choice, committed to addressing their needs and working towards a better future.

“We would like to assure the people of ward 4 that the IFP will continue to stand by them, delivering the services and governance they deserve. Their support strengthens our resolve to lead with integrity, transparency and a commitment to improving the lives of all residents.”

KZN provincial electoral officer Ntombifuthi Masinga said that there were nine by-elections held across six municipalities in the province, seven of which were a result of resignations that included councillors who have since assumed seats in the provincial legislatures, and two were as a result of death.

She said the voter turnout was poor in the province, averaging 40%. Ward 33 in eThekwini saw the lowest turnout of 19% while Mpofana Local Municipality had the highest turnout of 54%.

“The by-elections went ahead without any glitches or any issues, even among the political parties themselves no issues were raised or reported to the commission.

“Parties, however, have until 5pm today to report any issues that they believe may have a material impact on the by-election results, and they are aware about that deadline,” said Masinga.

The Mercury